TRUCKS

America’s Love Affair With Trucks Might Not Be Founded in Necessity

Drive on almost any road in America, through any town or city, and you’re likely to see one. The iconic pickup that a good portion of the population seems to love. Although trucks have become increasingly expensive and increasingly complex over the years, they remain one of the most popular segments here in the United States. So, long after the Joads from John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wraith drove a homemade truck west out of necessity, why from American life?

I’d probably write an entire book about why in the States this is the case, and some have. But in the interest of keeping things sweet and simple, let’s boil it down to two points: utility and freedom.

Now heated seats and Bluetooth, the basic principle remains the same. The truck is basically a drivable wheelbarrow. You can tow and tow to your heart’s content, but in the 21st century, most truck owners don’t actually do that.

More importantly, today’s trucks make you feel like you can go anywhere.

Truck owners may not do things about trucks

According to a study conducted by 75% of truck owners use their pickup for towing once a year or less. And the draw stats are even worse.

2022 Chevy Colorado | Bother

In the past, most people who drive a truck drove it because they needed to. These early trucks were a far cry from anything like the one I experienced. And it wasn’t until the early 2000s that manufacturers began toying with the idea of ​​a family or luxury van.

Ford F-150 Lightning tow trailer
Ford F-150 Lightning Tow Trailer | stronghold

For all the bells and whistles that even work trucks have now, a pickup truck is still a utilitarian vehicle. They can pull and pull more than ever before. And that gives us the sense, even how rarely does it actually happen, that our truck can get the job done. When you drive a truck, it feels like an extension of you. my utility truck; So I am utilitarian.

These vehicles represent freedom

Long before they were born, Americans loved freedom. And the truck is a great representation of that. Sure, you may not be doing towing and hauling on a daily basis, but if you have the budget, you can buy a vehicle built for these tasks.

In addition, it is known for its ability. Are you tackling off-road terrain or a blizzard? With a properly equipped pickup, there is no problem with such things.

If you’re wondering why Americans love trucks, this might be the best answer. It’s because we can. They can be bulky, expensive, and sometimes rather inefficient, but if you want a truck, you have that option as a consumer.

The front end of the 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone.
2022 Toyota Tundra | Eric Bowman, MotorBiscuit

Trucks are not the first type of vehicle that can be large or expensive. Back when the Interstate Highway System was being built, it was coming to the scene. These large coupes and sedans could easily devour newly associated America.

A black Lincoln Continental, the iconic land yacht before we had big trucks.
Lincoln Continental | National Auto Museum via Getty Images
Related
What company invented the pickup truck?

Before the truck became a status symbol, from the ’50s through the early ’70s, the wild yacht was the way you told the world, “I made it in America.” You no longer need to scrape dirt under your nails or take the train to where you need it.

Somewhere along the way, we decided we wanted the perceived look to get our hands dirty. Accordingly, since the average transaction price for a new truck is $60,000, we’re willing to pay for it.

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